That Are Easy

Can’t focus on your tasks? Or what your colleagues and especially what your boss is telling you?

The answer to getting your focus back up could be in your gut. It goes without saying our gut is our second brain.

There is a two-way communication between your brain and gut. Each gives and receives feedback to the other – the good, the bad and the ugly. The network of nerves in the gut is so large that is second only to the brain.

Your gut also produces most of your body’s neurotransmitters like serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA – all essential for your brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps in learning and memory and GABA has a calming effect. More specifically it relieves anxiety, improves sleep AND improves focus.

If your gut is scrambled your brain will be too.

Here are 3 things you can do to have a healthier gut:

Avoid Gluten. Next time you’re reaching out for that bagel, cookie or slice of bread think twice.

According to Dr. Alessio Fasano of Harvard, the world’s leading expert on gluten non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a real ailment. Anyone who eats gluten is not doing their gut a favor. It creates leaky gut and inflammation regardless. Even if you are not celiac, gluten isn’t something you should eat regularly.

The Fix: Healthy, gluten-free foods are the way to go. Processed gluten-free products are best to avoid since they are chock full of sugar, preservatives, and additives. Here is a really easy gluten-free brownie recipe I absolutely love. It includes almonds and cacao full of great antioxidants like magnesium that is so good for your energy levels and brain.

Yummy Gluten Free Brownies

Total: 35 min

Yield: 9 brownies

Ingredients

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 pinch ground cinnamon

1 cup almond or cashew butter

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut butter or oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond butter, syrup, butter, vanilla and eggs. Mix the wet into the dry and then fold in the walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake until the brownies are firm but still soft in the middle, 20 to 23 minutes.

Chew your food. Do you wolf down your food just so you can get back to what you were doing? Take a good hard look at your chewing.

According to a study those who chew less, allowing larger particles to pass through the body, provide opportunistic bacteria and fungi with a source of fuel during their transit.

Digestion starts in the mouth with your saliva. It helps break down your food especially the carbohydrates. It’s not just about WHAT you eat it’s HOW well your body absorbs it. Make it easier on your stomach and small intestine and chew your food well. It also makes your food more alkaline, which creates less gas.

The Fix: Give your gut a break and chew every mouthful of food at least 30 times. Sound hard? Start with at least 15 and work your way up. Enjoy your meal and your food. Savor the flavors and textures in it. Your gut will thank you for it.

Keep Your Phone Away from Your Stomach (and any other WiFi device).

Why? The answer lies in something called EMF (Electro Magnetic Field) radiation. What is considered a “safe” amount of EMF exposure from WiFi devices is holding your phone 1” from your head for only 6 minutes a day. And by the way, you have to be a 220 lbs 6”2’ man.

Have you met someone who fits these criteria? I sure haven’t.

Not only has EMF radiation been known to weaken the lining of your blood-brain barrier, allowing more toxins and pathogens into your brain it is very likely that it is doing the same to your gut.

What we know from sure from studies is that EMF signals are very disruptive to the delicate beneficial bacteria in your intestines (gut flora). They slow down their growth,while possibly making the viruses, superbugs and harmful bacteria that are trying to take over even stronger.

The Fix: Do you carry your phone near your waist? Consider putting it on airplane mode –when possible – to avoid radiation. Also, create as much distance as you can (preferably at least 1 foot) from your phone, tablet or computer and gut when it makes sense. Another way to protect yourself if you’re sitting and using a tablet or laptop is this blanket that shields you from 99.9% of the radiation: https://www.bellyarmor.com/belly-blanket/

Kirsi Bhasin helps professional women who feel like a robot going through the motions at work and in life find more joy and be healthier through mindfulness and self-care. Kirsi also contributes to the Huffington Post on Healthy Living and is an expert member of Dr. Oz’s Sharecare community of top-ranking health experts. She has had the honor of helping women at many different companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies like AIG, IBM, and Estee Lauder. To learn more visit www.kirsibhasin.com

The Thrive Global Community welcomes voices from many spheres. We publish pieces written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Learn more or join us as a community member!

Share your comments below. Please read our commenting guidelines before posting. If you have a concern about a comment, report it here.

Is Gut Health The Key To A Good Night’s Sleep?

Sign up for the Thrive Global newsletter

“People look for retreats for themselves, in the country, by the coast, or in the hills . . . There is nowhere that a person can find a more peaceful and trouble-free retreat than in his own mind. . . . So constantly give yourself this retreat, and renew yourself.”